Inside Iowa State
October 9, 1998
Council ready to support university club proposal
by Anne Dolan
During its Oct. 1 meeting, the Professional and Scientific Council passed a motion supporting a university club at Iowa State, with an amendment that includes three requests: that membership fees be "fair and reasonable," that no state allocations to the ISU budget be used for start-up or operation costs, and that a feasibility study be completed to assess the financial viability of the proposal.
Last spring, the council's position was that it "didn't oppose" further study of a university club concept. The Faculty Senate and Student Union Board have endorsed the proposal, which awaits a decision by President Martin Jischke. Government of the Student Body president Bryan Burkhardt, who attended the council meeting briefly, said GSB hasn't seen the proposal.
In other business, council president Rob Bowers proposed a survey of P&S employees this year. One issue he said he hopes the survey will address is hours worked by employees. He said he still receives calls from employees who are working 55 to 60 hours per week nearly year-round and not just during busy seasons. It raises the question of whether employees simply don't go home or their responsibilities or supervisors require long work weeks, he said.
Last winter, Bowers addressed the ISU Academic Council about unusually long, regular work weeks. As a result, Provost John Kozak asked that department heads and other directors review their units for abuse.
"It still seems to go on. We need to see what the problems are, whether it's a few isolated cases or a widespread problem," Bowers said.
The council also:
- Welcomed vice president for business and finance Warren
Madden, who outlined priorities (tied to the strategic plan)
and key projects under the business and finance umbrella.
Madden noted that private fund raising is playing a growing
role in construction projects, due in part to units'
decisions and ability to raise money. His visit was part of
Bowers' goal to invite key administrators to council meetings
this year to give members a better understanding of Iowa
State.
- Approved a resolution encouraging all P&S employees to
participate in the ISU Wellness Program, at least by
completing a personal wellness profile. (see story in this
issue.)
- Discussed campus safety during the open forum portion of
the meeting. Darlene Gluck, chair of the university's safety
committee, spoke about that group's efforts since it was
reorganized last year. Committee members look at a range of
issues, including assault, pedestrian/bicycle traffic
problems, campus lighting, laboratory safety, on-the-job
precautions, workplace violence and warning plans in weather
emergencies. The advisory group reports to the provost. Ideas
can be forwarded to Gluck, who oversees facilities
engineering and safety issues for IPRT.
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